From the National Board
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
“God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” (1 Jn. 4:16)
For Franciscans LOVE is the core, the heart of our vision, our theology and spirituality; we believe that God is love; that, as triune, God is relationship; and that ours is a relational theology. Jesus in his humanity is the primordial sacrament / gift of God’s love and, for the follower of Christ, a privileged place of meeting God. The poor, those open to receive the gift and willing to be changed by it, like Mary, become the Church, the sacrament of God’s love, presence and mercy. It is within the Church, as the body of the Resurrected Christ, and through the sacramental celebrations that Christian faith is especially nourished and challenged.
Francis and Clare believed that only in communion with the Catholic Church could they maintain fidelity to the Gospel and be nourished with the sacraments; and so Franciscan life is lived within the Church. Thus, our own Third Order Regular Rule states: “The sisters and brothers promise obedience and reverence to the Pope and the Catholic Church.” (Chapter 1, #3)
We find ourselves today in the midst of a paradigmatic shift taking place on a global scale that has affected almost all aspects of culture including Christian Churches and their theologies. At the heart of this shift is relationality. How do we find our way in this liminal space?
In his book, A THEOLOGY OF THE CHURCH FOR THE THIRD MILLENNIUM; A FRANCISCAN APPROACH, Kenan Osborne OFM states: “A relational God encompasses the Franciscan approach to Creation, the sending of the Logos, the sending of the Holy Spirit, the meaning of salvation, and a theology of church.” He goes on to say that this relational theology of God must color and shape our understanding of the Church and then he presents and clarifies his Relational Theology of the Church for the Third Millennium.
Kenan also says that a renewed theology of church must be centered on Jesus, and through Jesus, on God, who is love which by its very nature is dynamic and relational. During his public life, Jesus’ preaching focused on the Kingdom of God and while Kingdom and Church are interrelated, they are not coextensive. The Kingdom message of Jesus broke boundaries in Jewish times as it does in our times – it calls us to be church in a new way. Any leadership within the church must mirror that of Jesus, the servant leader and footwasher, who came to serve and not to be served.
At our annual conference this summer Marlene Wiesenbeck FSPA and Joseph Chinnici OFM will explore with us the topic “RELEASING ENERGIES TO LOVE: CREATIVE FIDELITY IN THE CHURCH.” Please don’t miss this significant and timely presentation, and encourage our newest and younger members to become part of this exciting relationality. 
Peace and All Good,
Dorothy McCormack OSF
Member of the Board
Commission of Elected Leaders (CEL)
Soon, members of the Executive Committee will be asking for nominations/volunteers for those willing to have their names appear on the ballot this summer at the AFC as possible candidates for the Executive Committee of the Council of Elected Leaders and/or for the National Board. Last year, nominees/volunteers were hard to come by and yet every organization, including the Franciscan Federation, needs people willing to be in leadership positions.
As it is, all of us, as elected leaders within our Congregations are in leadership positions and are pulled in many directions to serve on various committees both within and without our Communities. There is no doubt that our first obligation is to the Sisters/Brothers we were elected to serve and that both our time and energy is limited. Still, I do ask you to consider serving on the National Board or the Executive Committee of the Commission of Elected Leaders.
A letter and form for nomination/volunteering will be sent in March via email. Thank you for your consideration of this request.
Commission of Regions (COR)
The Executive Committee of the Commission of Regions met via conference call on January 3, 2012. After sharing Christmas and New Year highlights and announcements, we discussed two topics: the pros and cons of an electronic election process; and, what and how long Region documents should be stored.
The electronic vote was proposed as a means to include more membership in the election process if they were unable to attend the AFC in a given year. However, the electronic process may be more cumbersome than the benefit of wider representation.
The discussion will continue with a teleconference meeting with the region chairs in March. The call does go out to all members for nominations. Please consider asking a member to be nominated for the COR Executive Committee or nominate yourself for a chance to serve the Franciscan Federation in a real and practical way!
Contact your region chair or any member of the COR executive committee with your questions or interest of nomination.
Click this link www.franfed.org/Regions.html for the contact information for the Region Chairs.
Commission of Charism Services (CCS)
February is the a month for our "hearts"!
Well, we do celebrate Valentine's Day, a time of sharing with others the depth, and height and width and breath of our love in creative communication. And a week later Christians will begin the Lenten Season for renewing our hearts in communion with the Paschal Mystery.
This year of 2012 brings another day to us for the heart's delight as it is a Leap Year. May those parts of our hearts that are lame leap with wisdom each day.
As the CCS we invite you to ponder another expression "heart" energy. Consider nominating yourself, or another with their permission, to membership as a board member of the CCS or the National Board.
See details at CCS Nomination Information for 2012.
Service is a ministry of the heart!
News from the JPIC Standing Committee
Attn: JPIC Coordinators
As you know, each year, the JPIC Standing Committee of the Franciscan Federation chooses a topic for the annual Conference Resolution. We do this with input from you, the JPIC Coordinators of the member congregations.
Once the topic is chosen, we present it to the Board for approval, and proceed with writing the resolution, which is presented to the conference body for approval. We invite you to send us your ideas for a topic of concern, as well as your rationale as to why this would be a good topic. Please keep in mind that your suggestion should be something that is universal and relative to all Federation members.
Deadline for submission of topic is February 17th. Please contact Sr. Glenna Czachor gczachor@wheatonfranciscan.org for more information.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Conference on Human Trafficking
Sponsored by the Franciscan Federation
Hilbert College, Hamburg, New York
April 26 and 27, 2012
SAVE the DATE!
"Wrapped in the HEART of God!
DATE: April 22-26, 2013
@ Chiara Center, Springfield, Illinois
Retreat for Spiritual Directors in the Franciscan tradition. Sacred time flowing from the Wisdom of the 2011 Spiritual Directors Gathering.
Guided by Maria Elena Martinez, OSF
- Daily Morning Session
- Contemplative Reflection
- Optional Sharing and Creative Expression
- Franciscan Discernment Process
More information to come!
 Sold Out!
The Franciscan Morning and Evening
Praise prayer book is sold out.
Region 1
Spring Afternoon of Reflection
Clare and Contemplation
Presented by: Andre Cirino OFM
April 22, 2012 from 1-5 pm
St. Bonaventure Church
174 Ramsey Street
Paterson, NJ 07501
Fee: $10 before April 8 ($15 thereafter)
Send name, address, phone number with check
to: Sr. Mary Frances Mills OSF
152 Ridge Road, Hartsdale, NY 10530
Region 3 Day of Recollection
Clare: A Sacred Flame
Presenter: Ingrid Peterson OSF
Date: March 31, 2012
Time: 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Cost: (Lunch Included)
$15 for dues paying members of Region 3
$20 non-members
Location: Franciscan Sisters Motherhouse
9201 W St. Francis Road, Frankfort, IL
This presentation will consider the differences in the ways Clare's story is presented by the official church legend, the testimony of the eye witnesses, her own words, and the "visual text" of the earliest narrative icon of Clare, the saint, written sometime around 1280. Such an examination will help us to understand how the story of her life has been handed onto us.
Spending time together with Clare and sharing our insights should help us to discover ways in which we, too, can become radical change-makers for our church and our times.
For more information contact Doris Recker OSF at laurindadoris@yahoo.com or call 708-388-0185.
For overnight accommodations contact Marilyn Renninger OSF smhrosf@live.com or call 815-464-3886.
Click Day of Recollection - Clare: A Sacred Flame for a printable brochure and registration form.
Region 4 News
Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls and Associates hold retreat in Twin Cities based on 2011 Federation Conference Theme
17 Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls and 4 Associates participated in a retreat on the weekend of January 28-29 at Woman Well in St. Paul. The participants began on Saturday morning by listening to a DVD presentation by Federation Conference keynoter, Sr. Nancy Schreck OSF, on “Becoming a Sacred Flame: Francis, Clare and John’s Gospel.”
Using her helpful methodology for reflecting together as Franciscans on the Gospel of John, the participants worked together in small groups to “mull over” and “chew” a passage from John 6 and then came together to reflect further on the passage and to share insights and reflections. During the final session on Sunday morning, they continued this process by reflecting on the Sunday’s Gospel reading from Mark, discussing how the learnings of the weekend might be helpful in their personal and communal lives. Between sessions, there was time for fun, good food and rest. All agreed that this time together was a genuine experience of Franciscan relationships.
Region 5 Gathering
Spiraling in God's Transforming Love: Angela of Foligno
A Day of Reflection with Diane Tomkinson OSF
Date: Saturday, March 3, 2012
Cost: $30 (after February 22, $35)
Location: Mother of Perpetual Help residence, lower level: Lally Room; in the Cardinal Ritter Senior Complex, 7609 Watson Rd., St. Louis, MO.
Angela was an upper class wife and mother in late 13th century Foligno, near Assisi, who at midlife began a spiraling journey of conversion that transformed her into a Franciscan woman of profound mystical prayer and theological insight.
Come explore what the “experience and teaching” of this early member of the Franciscan Third Order offers to Franciscans today.
For more information and a printable brochure, click Region 5 Gathering - Spiraling in God's Transforming Love: Angela of Foligno
General Chapter News from our
Secular Franciscan Sisters & Brothers
"At the General Chapter of the Secular Franciscan Order in October, it was decided that the acronym to be used when signing one's name is to OFS, not SFO. "The reason is that the SFO presidency wants to unify everything throughout the world being that the official name of the Order in Latin is Ordo Franciscanus Saecularis," said Richard Trezza OFM, (Holy Name Province) spiritual director for the Secular Franciscan Order.
"Here in the United States, the Order will continue to be known as the Secular Franciscan Order and its members will continue to be known as Secular Franciscans. Only the initials have changed, " Richard said. The previous acronym had been used since 1978, said Trezza, who has worked with the Order since 1968.
2012 Franciscan Symposium
Celebrating Clare of Assisi and the Poor Sisters
– 800 Years of Witness
March 23-24 2012
The Franciscan Center at the Washington Theological Union cordially invites you to the 15th Franciscan Symposium, March 23 - 24, 2012 in Washington, DC!
Speakers:
Catherine M. Mooney PhD, Associate Professor of Church History, Boston College School of Theology and Ministry
Michael W. Blastic OFM, Holy Name of Jesus Province, Professor and Chair of Franciscan Theology and Spirituality Studies, Washington Theological Union, Washington DC
Margaret Eletta Guider OSF, Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate (Joliet, IL), Vice-President and Councilor for Mission, Associate Professor of Missiology, Boston College School of Theology and Ministry
Sister Pacelli Millane OSC, Chicago Poor Clares before transferring to the Poor Clares in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Quebec
Join with us as we celebrate the 800th year of Witness! You don’t want to miss this Symposium - register today!
Deadline for registration is March 16, 2012.
Registration form is available in the Upcoming Eventssection of the Federation website. Click the link 2012 WTU Symposium Brochure for a printable copy of the registration form.
For more information contact:
Sr. Katherine Kandefer, BVM, Director, Conferences & Events
Washington Theological Union
6896 Laurel Street, NW, Washington DC 20012
Fax #: 202-726-1716 Email: kkandefer@wtu.edu
This major event is made possible by the support from the Franciscan Center Fund.
Franciscan Center of Tampa Names New Director
Sr Anne Dougherty OSF, is the new director of the Franciscan Center of Tampa, an interfaith spiritual retreat center that marks its 42nd year in 2012.
 Sr Anne is well known in the Tampa Bay non-profit, education and faith communities for her work in crisis stress management, police chaplaincy, and spiritual direction.
The Franciscan Center, established by the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, NY in 1970, is operated by the Sisters, dedicated staff and volunteers. The Center offers group programs and private retreats throughout the year to all those seeking spiritual renewal as well as meeting and conference space for groups and organizations.
Job Listings
ON-SITE NOVICE CO-MINISTER
The Third Order Regular Franciscan Common Novitiate (TOR FCN) in St. Louis, Missouri is seeking a full-time on-site novice co-minister to begin July, 2012. The TOR FCN is a collaboration of 33 Franciscan women’s congregations from the East and Midwest U.S., continuing a more than 10 year tradition of providing a quality canonical novitiate for member congregations. Qualified candidates would hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in theology or spirituality; have knowledge of and ability to work with Franciscan sources; possess skills in discernment, collaboration, and administration; demonstrate an ability to mentor and teach through adult methods; be committed to ongoing personal and professional growth; and preferably have some prior experience in formation ministry. The novice minister would live in community with the novices and the other co-minister.
This is a wonderful opportunity for a special person to mentor the next generation of Third Order Regular Franciscan women. If you want to be a part of this exciting collaborative ministry, please send a cover letter and resume by March 15 to the following:
Search Committee
% Barbara Piller, OSF
P.O. Box100
Oldenburg, IN 47036
Phone: 812-933-6404
Fax: 812-933-6403
E-mail: bpiller@oldenburgosf.com
When the cover letter and resume are received, an application form will be sent to you.
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Director of Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center
Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center located in Hiawatha, Iowa, provides a peaceful space where people of all faiths can find opportunities for growth in body, mind and spirit through prayer, reflection, retreats and programs. The Center is a ministry of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, La Crosse, WI.
We are seeking a full time Director to provide overall Center leadership; administration; planning and promotion. (See our website: www.prairiewoods.org.)
Successful candidates will have: a minimum of 3 years experience in administrative/supervisory operations, demonstrated leadership abilities in managing, planning, administration, and community relations, demonstrated communication and collaboration skills, and a strong ecological interest. Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. Full benefit package available.
Please forward resume to: Deb Scoville, Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 701 Franciscan Way, La Crosse, WI 54601-8808; Phone: 608-791-5261; Email: dscoville@fspa.org. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Franciscan Institute Publications
BIG SAVINGS* plus FREE SHIPPING*
on Clare of Assisi and Poor Clare books
*Free Shipping is for domestic orders of $25.00 or more. A shipping credit of $3.00 per book will be applied to all non-domestic orders of $25.00 or more. Offer ends 02/28/2012. Discounts of 30-50% off available for limited time - Online ONLY.
This year we celebrate the 800th year anniversary of Clare’s decision to become a follower of Francis of Assisi. To help celebrate this anniversary, we are offering – for a limited time – HUGE SAVINGS on ALL of our books on Clare and The Poor Clares plus FREE SHIPPING on any domestic order of $25.00 or more (a shipping credit of $3.00 per book on all non-domestic orders of $25.00 or more). Offers expire soon – place your orders today!
 Studies In Early Franciscan Sources -
The Writings of Clare of Assisi:
Letters, Form of Life, Testament and Blessing
edited by Michael W. Blastic OFM, Jay Hammond,
and Wayne Hellmann OFM Conv
Retail Price: $19.95 SPECIAL PRICE: $14.99
 Clare of Assisi: The Lady
translated by Regis Armstrong OFM Cap
Retail Price: $24.99
SPECIAL PRICE: $12.99
For these and other specially priced publications go to: www.franciscanpublications.com
Franciscan Institute Publications
St. Bonaventure University
The Franciscan Institute
SCHOOL OF FRANCISCAN STUDIES
Summer 2012: June 25—July 27
Special Enrichment Programs
On Learning to Love,
Bonaventure’s Spiritual Theology for Everyday Living
Master Teacher: Edward Coughlin OFM
June 25—June 29
The Evangelical Counsels in the Writings of Francis and Clare of Assisi
Master Teacher: Richard Martignetti OFM
July 2 – 6
The Challenge of Ethical Living in the 21st Century
Master Teacher: Mary Beth Ingham CSJ
July 9 – 12
Artistic Perspectives and Franciscan Spirituality
Master Teacher: David Haack OFM
July 9 – 12
Creating a (Franciscan) Life
Master Teachers: Dr. Darleen Pryds
& Dr. Maria Pia Alberzoni
July 12 – 15
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Br. F. Edward Coughlin OFM
Interim Dean
716-375-2148
coughlin@sbu.edu
or
Noel H. Riggs
Executive Administrative Assistant
716-375-2105
nriggs@sbu.edu
Use the link Summer 2012 Program to find more information to the Franciscan Institute website.
Franciscan School of Theology
Creation, Humanity and Science
in the Franciscan Intellectual Tradition
July 30 - August 10, 2012
Presenters:
Bill Short OFM, Mary Beth Ingham CSJ and Keith Douglass Warner OFM
This 12 day residential summer school program costs $2,000, which includes full room and board for 12 days; 10 days of class instruction; all associated books. A limited number of rooms with private bath can be reserved for $200 extra. Continuing education credit through the University of San Diego can be arranged for an additional fee.
Contact: Fr. Franklin Fong OFM ffong@fst.edu
Faculty from AFCU schools receive a discount for two or more participants.
Click the link Printable Brochure - 2012 FST Summer Institute to view the flier posted in Upcoming Events section of the Federation website.
Sisters of the Earth Conference
St. Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana
July 12-15, 2012
www.sistersofearth.net
Aware of the increasing critical times we face, we will explore 'landscapes' of our Outer Transition Movement (e.g. food sovereignty, the localisation movement, 'gardens of hope') in balance with the deep, transformation Inner Transition that requires equal attention. Cost: $165 (commuter) $265 (shared room) $315 (private room) Registration form coming soon!
Click: Sisters of the Earth Conference for a printable brochure with further information on the conference and presenters.
New Publication s
Daily We Seek You by Sr Jane McConnell OSF
Reflections and Prayers for Individuals, Caregivers, and Ministry Teams.
This book includes inspirational reflections and prayers for every day of the year. It also includes prayers for significant times along life's journey, and seasonal prayers to share with family and friends.
Any profits, after publishing and printing costs, will go 50% to St. Mary’s Care of the Poor Fund and 50% to Sisters of St. Francis Ministries.
The book is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Outskirts Press, Denver.
ISBN #978-1-4327-8165-1
To read Sr Jane's flier on the Federation website, click this link: http://www.franfed.org/dailyweseekyou.html
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Song of Saint Francis
In this beautiful and inspiring book, Song of St. Francis, written by School Sisters of Saint Francis and edited and illustrated by Sr Janet Petersen, OSF, contemporary Franciscan voices translate St. Francis’ “Song of the Creatures” into living color and language. The artist-editor offers glowing, full-page colored-pencil drawings of the creatures that St. Francis called his brothers and sisters: sun, moon and stars, wind and air, water, fire, earth, death. Each drawing is accompanied by a poem and an essay that praise God for these gifts of creation and reflect, observe, and challenge us in our appreciation and care of them.
“We sit around the campfire/of God’s love,” writes the artist-editor in her poem praising Brother Fire. “How will we answer the children of the future about the ways that water has been cared for?” challenges a biology teacher in her essay on Sister Water. The colored-pencil drawings use the symbols of hands and curves or circles to stimulate imaginative consideration of these gifts which continue to both benefit and challenge us today. Uniquely, the artist and writers of this book are all sisters and associates of a Franciscan congregation that names the promotion of the fine arts as one of its charisms.
Cost: $17.50 (Hard bound book + jacket)
To order our website: www.editionsdusigne-usa.com (USA warehouse) or contact: Chris Russell chrisrussell@hughes.net
Phone: 1-877-324-3914 or (direct line) 1-573-324-3914
Click the link Song of St. Francis to view the flier posted in the Franciscan Resources section of the Federation website
Turned to the Lord - Thaddeus Horgan
The Federation National Office as recently reprinted copies of Thaddeus Horgan booklet. This new edition has the updated Franciscan source references to coincide with the three volume series,
Francis of Assisi: Early Documents.
Cost: $8.00 per booklet + shipping
To order, call 202-529-2334 or email franfed@aol.com
The Federation does not accept payment by credit cards
WIN a Pilgrimage to Assisi
Our 2012 Assisi chances are available on the website. First prize is two week pilrimage program. For further details, click on this link 2012 Assisi Pilgrimage Drawing flier & chance For 3 chances click here, 2012 Assisi Pilgrimage -3 chances.
Donation: 1 chance $10.00
3 chances $25.00
The drawing will be held on July 29, 2012 at the Franciscan banquet during the Annual Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio.
The pilgrimage is donated by the Franciscan Pilgrimages Programs
http://www.franciscanpilgrimages.com/
Next Generation Franciscan Mentors (NGF Men tors)
Annual conference: June 18 – 21, 2012
Place: Portiuncula Center for Prayer (The PORT)
Frankfort, Illinois (Southwest suburb of Chicago)
Theme: Greater Than a Mother’s Love
Part 2: Kinship in the Works of Clare of Assisi and Implications for Formation Today
Speaker: Bro. Gilberto Cavazos-Gonzalez OFM
Author of Greater Than a Mother’s Love
For more information visit the Next Generation Franciscan website
www.nextgenerationoffranciscans.org or click this link
Next Generation Franciscan Mentors for a printable flyer
to register and to join NGF Mentors.
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Franciscan Federation
Annual Conference
2012
July 27-30
in
Cincinnati, OH
Sisters of St. Francis
of the
Neumann Communities
invite you to attend
The 19th Annual Central New York
Franciscan Experience
LET THERE BE LIGHT:
Clare of Assisi
Through the Lens
of Albert Einstein
and the
Sacred Scriptures
Presented by
Anne Amati OSF
Saturday, March 10 , 2012
8:30 – 4:00 p.m.
The Franciscan Center
2500 Grant Blvd
Syracuse, New York
$25 before March 1
or $30 at the door
Mail fee, name, address, phone
to:
CNY Franciscan Experience
1118 Court Street #39
Syracuse, New York 13208
rrwagner@sosf.org
315-634-7020
Franciscan
Spirituality Center
920 Market Street
La Crosse, WI 54601
Phone: 608- 791-5295
e-mail: fscenter@fspa.org
register online
at www.fscenter.org
Celebrating Clare of Assisi
A Day to Gaze, Consider, Contemplate and Imitate
March 31
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
In the spring of 1212, Clare made her way from her home in Assisi to a life outside the city walls at San Damiano. It was there she joined Francis in his vision of a Gospel-centered life and consecrated herself to God before Francis to begin a new way of living. We celebrate now, in March 2012, that event. But we celebrate even more the gift of Clare of Assisi to the world, the feminine expression of holiness and of the Franciscan life. Her passionate desire to conform to Christ Jesus urged her to claim her own truth and to show us a path of daily transformation.
You are invited to join us in celebrating this woman we call Clare, who still gives light to a world in need of inspiration and healing. We will learn about Clare’s Eucharistic love and her leadership, and we will celebrate Clare through artistic expressions of poetry, music, dance, stitching, and healing touch. Come, be part of this unique event.
Keynote:
Sr. Beth Lynn OSC
With Six Breakout Sessions
Fees:
Early Bird Registration
(Due by March 1)
Individual: $55
Groups of 10 or more:
*$45 each or per person
After March 1
Individual: $65
Groups of 10 or more: *$55 each
* Groups must register and pay together to receive group discount.
Oldenburg
Franciscan Center
www.oldenburgfranciscancenter.org
Please register by phone or email
812-933-6437
center@oldenburgosf.com
February & March Programs
T’AI CHI CHIH®
Sr. Claire Whalen
5 Thursdays –
Feb 16, 22 & March 8, 15, 22
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
$15 per session or $65.00 for the series
Enhance your well being!
T’ai Chi Chih® is a series of 19 movements created by Justin Stone in the mid 1970’s. The slow continuous movements help to maintain balance, harmony and peace in the midst of our daily lives. When practiced regularly, the benefits reduce stress levels, expand creativity, and enhance our well-being.
Hope in Diversity:
Looking at Our Relationships
Sr. Olga Wittekind OSF
Saturday – February 18th
9:30 am – 2:30 am
$45 includes Lunch & Assessment tools
Our personality characteristics
create diversity in our world.
Using the Myers-Brigg Type
Indicator (MBTI) we will learn how our choices bring gifts to our spouses, friends, and coworkers. In learning to pray with an awareness of our differing personality types, we can awaken to new possibilities for personal growth!
We can better appreciate others more fully, and strengthen our relationship
with God.
Lenten Series
Four Contemporary Stories
of Discovering One’s Way
Sr. Barb Leonhard
4 Thursday’s
March 1st, 8th, 15th & 22nd
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
$15 per session or 2 for $25
March 1st: Howard Thurman
a black minister, teacher and mystic who established the first radically integrated intercultural church in the United States.
March 8th: Edith Stein
a Jewish teacher, scholar and mystic who became Catholic and entered a Carmelite monastery. She died in Auschwitz in 1942.
March 15th: Thomas Kelly
a Quaker teacher and seeker who discovered a mystical
depth within himself and set about drawing others to their own spiritual depths.
March 22nd: Jean Vanier
Canadian founder of L’Arche Communities who has dedicated his life energies to creating homes and sharing life with those with developmental disabilities.
What Does It Mean
to Be the Salt of Earth?
Sr. Karla Barker
Saturday, March 3rd
9:00 am – 11:00 am
$25
Scripture tells us
“We are the salt of Earth.”
How do we savor and at the same time add zest and excitement to the life we’ve been given. Do we share our distinctive flavor so that others may relish our gentleness, creativity and love of Earth? Come learn to recognize
and share more your ‘saltiness’!
Introduction
to the Mayan Calendar
Sr. Claire Whalen
3 Wednesday’s
March 7th, 14th & 21st
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
$15 or 2 for $25
Learn about this prophetic sacred calendar and its message for our time. Avoid the consumer hype about doomsday predictions for 2012 and be amazed at the wisdom of
ancient cultures and their intimate connection with all Creation.
Coffee Talk
Resurrection Mysteries:
New Prayers for the Rosary
Sr. Sharonlu Sheridan
March 11th
The Resurrection of Jesus is sometimes lost from sight during days of bereavement. We think even less often of the people who were raised from the dead during Jesus’ earthly sojourn. During this session, we will look at other resurrections and see how they can help
us understand the passage of our loved ones to the Heavenly Kingdom. These resurrections will be presented as an alternative to other mysteries of the Rosary.
10:45 am – Noon
Freewill Offering
Meet in Sister’s Chapel
May 19, 2012
Women's Day: Women of Wisdom
Keynote Speaker - Sr. Olga Wittekind
Breakout Sessions
Sr. Norma Rocklage
& Sr. Patty Campbell
Wisdom is Our Inner Light!
Using some of the beautiful and inspiring passages from the Book of Wisdom in scripture, S. Olga will help us explore our call to be Women of Wisdom. It is in awakening our hearts that we transform our lives and grow in Peace! Sr. Norma will guide us in a presentation of how this feminine energy and spirit of God nurtures us as women as we grow one-in-being with this light of God that transforms the world through our touch. Sr. Patty will guide us in thought and prayerful suggestions for maintaining a sense of well-being even when life brings us stress. Wisdom finds us blessed!
$45 for the day includes lunch!
Register by phone 812-933-6437
or email center@oldenburgosf.com
August 6-10, 2012
The Sisters of St. Francis of Oldenburg Invite you to Celebrate St. Clare's 800 Years With Us!
Clare of Assisi Retreat:
A Woman Weaving a Dream
Presenter
Sr. Diane Jamison OSF
St. Clare of Assisi is a woman of her times and of ours! She spent forty years weaving a dream that has endured as well as inspired women and men over eight centuries. Who is this medieval woman and what does she say to me in my 21st Century life? Why does the dream endure? During this retreat we will answer these questions and allow Clare of Assisi to walk out of the pages of history into our world. There will be presentations, quiet time and ritual celebrations together. Join us!
$390 for the week includes the program, a private room, and all meals. The program begins on Monday at 8am and ends after the noon meal on Friday.
Register by phone 812-933-6437
or email center@oldenburgosf.com
ASSISI HEIGHTS SPIRITUALITY CENTER
Rochester, MN 55901
www.rochesterfranciscan.org
Aging With Grace
May 20-26, 2012
Fr. John Burchill O.P.
As we reflect on our aging, we will treat issues of loss, care for self, communication, grief, and dealing with anger and guilt, and prayer styles for elder years.
Make Me An Instrument of Your Peace: Reflections on the Peace Prayer
June 10-16, 2012
Friar Johnpaul Cafiero OFM
Topics such as being Instruments of Peace in a war-torn world, faith and doubt, happiness verses joy, depression and surrender, death and new life will be explored. This will be an enjoyable and faith strengthening experience for all attending.
For further information
and registration contact
ahsc@rochesterfranciscan.org
Franciscan Spiritual Center
609 S Convent Road
Aston PA 19014
(610) 558-6152
fsc@osfphila.org
Schedule of Events
February 2012
Directed Weekend of Prayer
(at Clare House)
February 10-12, 2012
Mary Walsh OSF
$170
Manna for the desert
February 17-19, 2012
Fr. Steve Kluge OFM
$170 resident / $120 commuter
Franciscan Solitude Experience
(at Clare House and the Hermitages)
February 17-20, 2012
Helen Budzik OSF
and Jean Ustasiewski OSF
$175
Love Hurried forth to serve:
The hospitality of God
February 24-26, 2012
Clare D’Auria OSF
$170 resident / $120 commuter
For more information
visit our website
www.fscaston.org
St. Francis
Spirituality Center
200 St. Francis Avenue
Tiffin, Ohio
www.stfrancisspiritualitycenter.org
Choosing Compassion
DVD series
by Fr Micheal Crosby OFM Cap
Six week DVD/Discussion Study
during Lent
Tuesdays, 6:00 to 7:30 PM
Feb 28, March 6, 13, 20, 27
and April 3
Cost: $35
Groups of 6 or more $30 per person
Day of Reflection
on Forgiveness
Saturday, March 10
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Cost: $25
includes noon meal
Centering
with Pottery and Prayer
March 16 at 7:00 PM
and
March 17 until 8:00 PM
Potter:
Sr Jane Frances Omlor OSF
Cost: $150
includes overnight
accommodations
and meals
Shalom Retreat Center
1001 Davis Street
Dubuque, IA
www.shalomretreats.org
Healing Hurts & Regrets:
Forgiving & Healthy Alternatives to Forgiving
Fri., Feb. 24, 7:00pm to
Sun., Feb. 26, 2012, 1:00pm
Though our brains are “wired” to remember our hurts for survival
purposes, they are also wired for healing. If you are unable to forgive
someone, or if you can’t seem to forgive yourself, learn how to honor
your own unique way of healing. Discover a variety of spiritual and psychological tools.
Presenter:
Gary Egeber
Offering: $165. $50 deposit
Commuter: $145
Register by Feb. 17, 2012
Lenten Retreat:
Transformation
The Music of God
Sunday, Feb. 26, 5:30pm to
Friday, March 2, 2012, 9:30am
Using the Lenten Scriptures, and drawing upon Francis and Clare,
we will come to understand
Metanoia as the Music of God,
Prayer as the Music of God,
and
Penance as the Music of God.
Daily Eucharist
Presenter: Thomas Hartle OFM
Offering: $365 $75 deposit
Early Bird: $340
if registered by Feb. 1, 2012
Chiara Center Events
4875 LaVerna Road
Springfield, IL 62707
For information and registration
for all programs go to:
www.chiaracenter.org
or call 217-523-0901
And Those Seen Dancing
Hope in the
Franciscan Tradition
Thursday, March 8, 2012
to
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Presenters:
Giles Schinelli TOR
and
Kathleen Moffatt OSF
Recognizing concerns deepest within the human heart, this is an opportunity to address those concerns. The days will be an experience of hope rooted in the Spirit of St. Francis of Assisi, using writings of St. Francis, along with art and prayer, to focus on the core values of Franciscan life and tradition.
Fee: $185 (overnight)
and $100 (commuter)
Reservation required
Call: 217-523-0901
or
Email: mrenfro@chiaracenter.org
For Registration brochure click:
And Those Seen Dancing
The Treasured Aramaic Words
of Jesus
July 8 - 13, 2012
Brother Joseph Kilikevice OP
Director of Shem Center for Interfaith Spirituality, Chicago
Bringing to light the teachings of Jesus found in Aramaic words of The Lord's Prayer, the Beatitudes, and the "I am" sayings in the Gospel of John. Retreatants will experience sacred words in chant, reverent movement within a circle of prayer. The retreat is open to persons of all faiths
Marywood
Spirituality Center
Arbor Vitae, WI
715-385-3750
www.marywoodsc.com
Soul Search: Honor and Express
Grace through Creativity
February 12-18, 2012
Sun. 5:00 PM thru Sat. 10:00 AM
Directors:
Karen Kappell FSPA
and Kathy Lentsch OSF
Limit: 8 retreatants
This retreat offers time to get in touch with your Inner Spirit and creative energies in the context of prayer and reflection.
Plan to arrive Sunday by 5:00; supper at 5:30. Departure 10:00 AM Saturday.
Register by Thursday, January 12. Please include a $100 deposit; commuters $50
Fee: Residents $450 includes private room in a shared cabin, all materials and meals. Commuters $350 includes all of the above minus lodging.
Integrating Energy Centers of the Body: A retreat focusing on self-care and creativity
March 4-10, 2012 - Sunday 5:00 PM
thru Saturday 10:00 AM
Facilitators:
Roselyn Heil FSPA
and Karen Kappell FSPA
Participants revive their spirits by focusing on the seven core energy centers in the body. Experience art, learning healing, story telling, music, quiet time and prayer.
Register by Monday, February 6.
Include $100 deposit;
commuters $50
Fee: Residents $450 includes private room in a shared cabin, all materials and meals. Commuters $350 includes all of the above minus lodging.
Stella Maris Retreat & Renewal Center
Skaneateles, NY
for more information
and to register
go to:
www.stellamarisretreat.org
Franciscan Life Center
116 8th Ave. S. E.
Little Falls, Minnesota
320-632-0668
July 7 - July 13, 2012
Joyfully Living
Our Franciscan Values
(in our world today)
Director:
Jolynn Brehm FSPA
Fee: $400
For more information call
or check on their website:
www.fslf.org
Tau Center
Wheaton, Illinois
630-909-6805
taucenter@wheatonfranciscan.org
Save the Date
St. Clare of Assisi:
A Companion for Our Contemporary Spiritual Life
with Sr. Ramona Miller OSF
Please join us
Saturday, June 2, 2012
from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm
for a Day of Reflection
celebrating the life and the Light
of St. Clare of Assisi.
Call to reserve a seat
630-909-6805
for printable registration form
go to
Upcoming Events
click on
Ramona Miller OSF
at Tau Center, Wheaton
Fee: $55 includes lunch & snacks
Registration closes: May 21
Save the Date
Two Days with Jan Phillips: Visionary Leadership and Being Mystics and Prophets
Evolutionary artist, author, workshop director and social activist Jan Phillips will be presenting two full-day programs September 14 and 15, 2012.
One day will focus on Visionary Leadership and the other on Being Mystics and Prophets...plan to come for one or both! Call to get on a waiting list for more information or to reserve a seat
630-909-6805
taucenter@wheatonfranciscan.org
A Spring Retreat
of Gazing and Praising
Facilitator: Georgene L. Wilson OSF
Wednesday, March 14
10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Franciscans learn to gaze all along the way of life, seeing the beauty of God in ALL and praising the Creator of ALL. This day of reflection will be one of pondering with the eyes of our body and the eyes of our soul. The time will be divided between inspirational input and time for reflecting in and around the Wheaton Franciscan campus as the season springs into view, and sharing the wisdom with each other.
Fee: $30
Holy Spirit Retreat Center
Holy Spirit Retreat Cent
3864 420 Avenue
Janesville, MN 56048
Summer 2012 Retreats
Quiet Retreat
June 11 - 17, 2012
This is an opportunity for a private or directed retreat - you decide what your heart needs at this time. We will provide meals and the quiet of our peaceful lakeside setting, along with optional daily group prayer, meditation and liturgy. Our experienced spiritual directors will be available for one-to-one sessions for those who wish. This is your time to plan and use as best suits you.
Directors:
Sr JoAnn Haney
and Sr Monique Schwirtz
Register by June 1, 2012
Cost: $375
(includes retreat fees
plus room and all meals)
The Heart-Qualities of Love:
The Stepping Stones of Therese's Little Way of Nonviolent Love
June 24 - 30, 2012
Presenter:
Br. Joseph Schmidt FSC
Therese of Lisieux, the saint of the little way of spirituality and the most recent Doctor of the Church, lived a life that offers us a model of how to love without violence to ourselves or others.
The presentations and activities
of this retreat will:
- Provide insight into how Therese identified and dealt with the inner and outer violence of her life
- Give us an opportunity to reflect
on our own experience and motivation
in loving
- Challenge us to walk
her little way of nonviolent love.
Register by June 10, 2012
Cost: $425 (includes retreat fee plus room and all meals)
For further information visit the web site www.holyspiritrc.org
call: 507-234-571
email: retreat@frontiernet.net
Franciscan Center
3010 N. Perry Avenue
Tampa, Florida
Holy Week Retreat:
Walking Together With Jesus
from Death unto Life
Fr Michael Cooper SJ
Wed, April 4, 5pm
to
Sat, April 7, 9pm
The Holy Week Retreat invites us
"to enter into the mystery,"
the graceful moments of Jesus' suffering, death and resurrection.
The Sacred Liturgies of Holy Week, including the Last Supper and the Washing of the Feet, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil, guide and celebrate these most sacred of moments.
Fee: $230 single room:
$195 shared room:
$130 commuter
Private and Directed Retreats
available upon request
for more information
or to register, visit
www.franciscancentertampa.org
or call
813-229-2695
Portiuncula Center
for Prayer
9263 West St. Francis Road
Frankfort, IL
www.portforprayer.org
815-464-3880
The Franciscan Place
@ St. Joseph Family Center
1016 N. Superior Street
Spokane, WA 99202
Santa Chiara:
Your Sister in Faith
Gaze, Consider, Contemplate
A retreat in celebration of the 800th anniversary of the life of
St. Clare of Assisi
Sunday July 15 – Friday July 20, 2012
Facilitator Loretta Schaff, OSF
This retreat offers time to center one’s soul by reflecting on the mirror of
Clare of Assisi.
Come alive in her light.
Listen to her wisdom.
Imitate her strength.
Rest in her spirit.
Go deeper into her mirror of Christ.
Retreat includes:
Daily presentations
Eucharistic Liturgy
Evening prayer with sharing
Pilgrimage to the Poor Clare Monastery
in Spokane
Suggested Donation: $410
To register visit their website www.sjfconline.org
and click on Retreats
or call Sr. Patty Novak at
(509) 483-6495 ext: 133
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